Warm Winter Night

As the old year goes out I made a warm winter dish to satisfy the soul.

Sausage and Root Vegetable Stew
Ingredients
2 tabsp. olive oil
6 Lincolnshire sausages
1 glass of cider
1 onion - chopped
1 leek – sliced
2 potatoes – peeled and cut into chunks
1 parsnip – cut into chunky cubes
Large handful of chopped mixed herbs – parsley, rosemary and sage
Black pepper
Cornflour to thicken

Method
Pre-heat oven to Gas 4/180C.
1. Heat 1 tabsp. oli in a large saucepan and brown sausages over a medium
heat. Transfer to casserole dish.
2. Pour the cider into the pan and stir to degalaze, scraping to release any
bits of caramelised meat from the base of the pan. Pour over the
sausages.
3. Heat the rest of the oil in the pan and add the onions and leek. Cook
gently for 10 mins until softened.
4. Return the sausages to the pan and add the potatoes and parsnip. Add
The mixed herbs, black pepper and enough water to cover all ingredients.
5. Bring to simmer and then pour all ingredients back into casserole dish.
6. Cook with lid on for approx 1 hour 30 mins or until everything is tender.
7. The potatoes should have thickened the sauce a little.
8. If you would like the cider sauce a little thicker, then make up a cornflour
paste with a couple of teaspoons of cornflour and water – stir in until
required thickness is achieved.
8. Serve with extra chopped parsley.



Baked Apples with Mincemeat
Ingredients
2 Bramley apples
2 dessert spoons mincemeat

Method
Pre-heat oven to Gas 4/180C
1. Core and wash the apples (no need to peel them)
2. Place the apples into an ovenproof dish and make a score around each
apple, to allow them to cook without bursting too much.
3. Fill the centres of each apple with mincemeat, pressing the mixture well
down.
4. Bake the apples for approx 45-50 mins until tender.
5. Serve warm with single cream


NB I use mincemeat left over from making mince-pies. The apples can actually be filled with anything, as you only need a small amount:
- mixed dried fruit, pinch of mixed spice and teasp. brown sugar
- dried cranberries and a pinch of cinnamon
- blackberries and a teaspoon brown sugar
- chopped dates and apricots

I like single cream poured over the apples, but you could use plain yoghurt, vanilla ice-cream or warm custard.